Tams pull off thriller versus Blue Thunder

Games Sunday

4 p.m. – RTU vs IEM

6 p.m. – PLDT vs Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern rallied from two sets down then outsteadied Rizal Technological University in an extended fifth set to snatch a 17-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 16-14 victory in men’s play of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

On the brink of another loss after falling apart in the fifth and bowing to Systema last Tuesday and dropping the first two sets against the Thunder, the Tams toughened up this time, thwarting the Mandaluyong-based squad in the third then dominating the fourth.

It was a seesaw battle in the decider with neither team leading by as many as three before FEU shattered the 14-all count and clinched the win on Greg Dolor and Joshua Barrica’s back-to-back corner hits.

Later in the night, PLDT Home Telpad opened its women’s division campaign on a winning note, overpowering Meralco, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19.

Former MVP Sue Roces and former San Sebastian star Gretchel Soltones fired away 14 hits apiece with the latter scoring three of the Turbo Boosters’ five points to wrap up the 73-minute encounter.

Meralco dropped to a 0-2 with Stephanie Mercado’s nine hits proving to be the team’s best score. Maica Morada had eight points while Abby Marano and Concon De Guzman had seven hits apiece.

It was the third straight fifth-set match in men’s section, underscoring the level playing field among four teams of equal strengths but with varying characters.

“Going through these five-setters is good for the team, particularly in toughening up our young players,” said FEU coach Kid Santos, who formed the squad only last June.